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Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
As House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway prepares to bring his farm bill to the House floor, he has more to worry about than just whether he’s got enough GOP votes to pass it over united Democratic opposition.
House Republican leaders are building support for the farm bill amid signs that hard-line conservatives are warming to the legislation ahead of possible floor action the week of May 14.
Conservative organizations may like the way the House Republican farm bill would overhaul the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but they also are preparing to push the full House to end the sugar program and reform crop insurance.
The House Agriculture Committee approved a group of 15 Republican amendments to the panel’s farm bill that would modify a crop insurance restriction while addressing broadband, biotechnology, organic food standards and other issues.
Republicans expect to advance a farm bill in the House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday despite Democratic anger over its reforms to food stamps, but the legislation also would make significant changes in policy and funding across many other sections, including conservation, rural development and horticulture.
House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway kicked off a battle over the next farm bill by releasing draft legislation that offers producers improvements to major commodity programs at minimal cost, while overhauling conservation policy and making sweeping reforms to nutrition assistance.
The Trump administration’s new authority to provide emergency assistance to farmers strengthens U.S. negotiating authority in ongoing trade disputes with China, says Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.
The National Farmers Union wants crop insurance protected in the new farm bill, with one member saying "crop insurance is our last resort" following severe drought in western North Dakota.
USDA has approved a landmark new revenue insurance plan for dairy producers, and companies are likely to bring out additional new products for the livestock industry now that Congress has lifted an underwriting cap, says USDA’s chief economist.